OKC Thunder vs. Jazz, 3 key takeaways: rivals, free throws and Paul George over everything

OKC Thunder – Utah Jazz dustups reach a new level:

At this point, it might even be fair to say the Utah Jazz have added their team to the Thunder rival’s list. Let’s examine the facts:

• Despite OKC winning the season series in 2017-18, the Jazz took out the Thunder in the first round of the postseason.
• Joe Ingles has proven to be a pest as he aggressively defends Paul George often pushing the envelope on what is and isn’t acceptable.
• Gobert elbows Adams in the neck (uncalled).
• Felton takes a shot at Gobert’s unmentionables.

• Jae Crowder gets extremely physical playing the intimidator role culminating in him throwing an elbow at Adam’s neck which leads to his ejection.
• Westbrook takes umbrage with flopping of Ricky Rubio (to draw fouls). Every time the teams meet their dislike for another is palpable.

• (A few) Fans at Vivint Smart Home Arena were shouting offensive remarks at Russell Westbrook and one even attempted to put his camera in Russ’ face, much to the chagrin of Westbrook

The Jazz may not be the Golden State Warriors, but they’ve reached that benchmark some teams ascend to which is an abject distaste for one another. In fairness, there is also a respect for each other’s clubs. Looking back it was just last season when Westbrook and George greeted Donovan Mitchell post game to share some encouraging words.  Those days are over — as Mitchell has become a star in his own right and now must be viewed through different lenses (at least on the court).